Governor Inslee stood in front of a joint session of the Legislature and delivered what will ultimately be his stump speech in Iowa. Inslee’s State of the State address was full of new ways to hand out taxpayer dollars to his friends. Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber (R-Republic) delivered the Republican response and described Inslee’s agenda as nothing more than a Christmas wish list. (My Northwest)

Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib says he chose not to preside at Gov. Inslee’s State of the State speech because he thought people would bring concealed weapons into the chamber. Habib said he is concerned the House policy leaves elected officials vulnerable. We should note that pretty much everyone else attended, including Gov. Inslee. (KHQ)

Socialist Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant made her re-election bid official. Sawant’s campaign director Chris Gray said they made the filing so early because they, “started to receive unsolicited donations from people excited about her re-election.” They’ve received a whopping $70 dollars so far…not exactly a groundswell of support. Sawant already has three primary opponents who have filed to challenge her. (KING 5)

Seattle City Council members started reviewing possible changes to a plan that would allow denser buildings and imposing affordable-housing requirements on developers. Not shockingly, the proposed plan requires developers to devote up to 11 percent of their projects to rent-restricted apartments. One of the adjustments under consideration would scale back upzones, which could result in fewer rent controlled units. (Seattle Times)

Entering into the fifth day of the viaduct closure, Washington State Department of Transportation seems confident crews will finish on time. “Overall, work is proceeding as planned,” said Laura Newborn, spokesperson for the viaduct replacement program. Famous last words? (KING 5)

The Spokane City Council approved the purchase of property, the first step in development of a $42 million Sportsplex. The final approval included $2.2 million allocated for the purchase of the property. The Sportsplex is estimated to cost between $42 and $47 million. The only city councilmember to vote against the agreement was Kate Burke who said she would rather see the city funds go toward other issues. (Spokesman-Review)

The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce has selected a new president and CEO. Yesterday the chamber announced Kyle Tarbet will takeover the role beginning February 19. He succeeds Brian Duvall, who resigned the post last August after about 13 months with the Chamber. (Union-Bulletin)

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